True high performance subs are likely to require an enclosure closer to 2 cu ft (or more). (See htshack.com or AVTalk.com, "subwoofer tests" under threads).
The SVS subs and Rythmik audio subs seem to provide great value. The former are a bit larger, but provide more clean deep bass. The latter are more highly damped ("tighter/faster" you choose the word). You can check the Group Delay tests for the performance numbers. The Rythmiks don't perform as well below app. 35hz, but there's not much signal below that frequency in my entire music collection, so I chose them anyway for my music only system. In the end, it was really a toss-up.
Either way, a good controller will help you acheive seamless integration with your 5Bs (and EQ room problems in the deep bass). For me, this is more important than the performance of the subwoofer, itself, since room effects do some serious damage to the bass performance of any system.
I use a Velodyne SMS-1 sub controller @ app $500, but the SVS EQ (Audyssey) box @ app $700 is supposed to be great, too. The SVS requires an external x-over like the NHT x-2 @$300, while the SMS-1 has a built-in crossover. Even though I use the SMS-1, I prefer to keep it out of the main signal path, so I added the NHT for use as a high pass only. Bottom line, I'd add $800-$1100 to your subwoofer budget for a controller/x-over to get the maximum benefit from your new set-up.
Good Luck
Marty
The SVS subs and Rythmik audio subs seem to provide great value. The former are a bit larger, but provide more clean deep bass. The latter are more highly damped ("tighter/faster" you choose the word). You can check the Group Delay tests for the performance numbers. The Rythmiks don't perform as well below app. 35hz, but there's not much signal below that frequency in my entire music collection, so I chose them anyway for my music only system. In the end, it was really a toss-up.
Either way, a good controller will help you acheive seamless integration with your 5Bs (and EQ room problems in the deep bass). For me, this is more important than the performance of the subwoofer, itself, since room effects do some serious damage to the bass performance of any system.
I use a Velodyne SMS-1 sub controller @ app $500, but the SVS EQ (Audyssey) box @ app $700 is supposed to be great, too. The SVS requires an external x-over like the NHT x-2 @$300, while the SMS-1 has a built-in crossover. Even though I use the SMS-1, I prefer to keep it out of the main signal path, so I added the NHT for use as a high pass only. Bottom line, I'd add $800-$1100 to your subwoofer budget for a controller/x-over to get the maximum benefit from your new set-up.
Good Luck
Marty